At least a dozen come forward to adopt Westport pitbull with gunshot wound

Monday

Feb 4, 2013 at 9:34 AMFeb 4, 2013 at 6:49 PM

The pit bull pup found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in Westport last week already has a dozen people queuing up to adopt him, officials at the shelter where he is staying said today.

MATT CAMARA

CRANSTON, R.I. — The pit bull pup found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in Westport last week already has a dozen people queuing up to adopt him, officials at the shelter where he is staying said today.

But the 1-year-old puppy — temporarily named Liam — still can’t put weight on his wounded leg and faces a possible amputation soon, meaning that he is in for a long recovery before someone takes him home, said Handsome Dan’s Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs co-founder Mark Stoutzenberger.

“He’s not going to be available for adoption for a few months,” said Stoutzenberger, whose Cranston shelter is caring for Liam until he can be placed in a foster home. “His behavior could change (as he regains strength). He might need some training.”

Westport Animal Control officer Donna Lambert rescued Liam last Thursday after he was found in a garage. Reports of a stray pit bull circulated for two weeks before Lambert caught up with Liam, and bystanders sighted the stray mostly in the north end of town near Route 6 and I-195, she said.

Lambert brought Liam to Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic where staff treated him for “multiple bullet fragments” to his right front leg last Thursday. However, staff members were unable to determine what kind of weapon or ammunition the shooter used.

It is also difficult to tell how many times Liam had been shot, Acoaxet veterinary technician Beth Miranda said.

Handsome Dan’s took the pit bull in after clinic staff realized he could need months of care.

No one stepped forward to claim Liam, who wore no tags or collar, but Stoutzenberger said he believes someone owned the pit bull and possibly left him alone in the woods when caring for the dog became too much work.

“He knows basic commands, he’s good on a leash. He was owned by somebody,” Stoutzenberger said, adding that he doubts Liam ran away or he would have been wearing a collar.

Liam might lose his wounded right front leg once the swelling subsides and vets can get a better look at his injuries, Stoutzenberger said. If that happens, Liam’s vet bill could skyrocket to more than $4,000 and Handsome Dan’s has already started raising funds.

“We’re getting him the best vet care possible. He’s on pain meds, antibiotics,” he said. “He screams out in pain if you touch him the wrong way. He’s been sleeping 22 or 23 hours per day to recover.”

Handsome Dan’s will make a public announcement if vets decide to amputate the leg, Stoutzenberger said.

Animal Control officials said they had no suspects in Liam’s shooting as of this afternoon. Lambert said she will soon be offering a reward for anyone with information leading to either who owned or shot Liam.